Damn you know how to shoot and edit your video. Because I generally watch under 5 minutes videos and I didn't even realized I'm watching this for 17 minutes.
"...but you had good sound quality, audiences will tolerate that cuz they'll assume that the movie was supposed to look like shit..." You killed me xD I'll take that to heart.
I guess when push comes to shove, photography and filming really is more or less the same thing. The more of a story you can tell by JUST the imagery alone the better..
One of the very best long pauses I have ever seen is in the movie Flight. When Denzel Washington walks away from the vodka bottle on the hotel mini fridge, and the bottle stay in full view for a long time. It builds that tension, that makes you perceive how strong alcoholism affects the character. That’s a proper long pause.
Here's one: writing dialogue that a character wouldn't believably say, or micromanaging dialogue until it comes across as forced. One of the best tips I heard was to let actors ad-lib small talk because that's how small talk is actually made. Feel free to film it, too, that way you have more context to work with. Don't, for example, just write the punchline to a joke that doesn't have a wind-up and then expect the actors to organically react to it.
This video is three years old now. But at a Potato Jet video I saw last night he said it was a ring light, very popular about 10 years ago but it causes the ring in the eyes because the camera is right at the center of the light.
Thanks a lot man. Aspiring filmmaker here and I've probably made about half of these mistakes. I've been filmmaking but not really studying up enough and just using my raw talent. Recently started up a film team and knew that I had to step my game up if it meant having an actual production crew.
I'm doing the same thing man. I've always been filming since I was young but haven't really studied besides watching how they shot in movies and such, but this video helped a lot! Never realized that I made many of these mistakes. But now I'm definitely going to improve.
Very good advice. I worked in Hollywood for many years, usually as an extra. This is a very helpful video for anyone planning to make a movie. The only thing I might add is to avoid exposition, which is telling the story instead of showing it. An example might be having a character who is on the phone and who says something like "What's that? You say you met someone who knew your grandma in Transylvania and he thinks you are related to Count Dracula... and he is coming over to the house tonight? And he will arrive about 6 PM when the full moon is coming up and he will be wearing a tuxedo?"
Yeah I when I see beginnings like that in films I'm like, this dude's really vocally informative, I also hate people who think out loud, it's unrealistic
Thank you- four years of film school in 17 minutes. I am always looking for shout cuts. I would add that you should always look for ways to insert Humor, people love to laugh. You have a good handle on that!!!!
I like that you don't sugarcoat any mistakes that can be made, because at the end, its your audience's reaction that matters. I feel like any film-makers can find this very useful. Nice Job buddy
Amazing how much an audience will forgive when it comes to visuals as long as the story works and the sound is good. "Clerks" looks awful, but no one cares. And ironically, we filmmakers seem to spend all our time worrying about the camera.
I know right? Far from the madding crowd was very under cooked, scenes didn't make sense most of the time, scenes or shots didn't have any build up and the whole time I was thinking how I would fix this and that
+D4Darious You're awesome! I am over the short film department for a film festival and you are spot on....OMG how many times do I have to see the main character walking somewhere? Waking up? Making tea? I mean really?
Me and my friends are making our own music. Yesterday 2 of my friends spent 2 and a half hours recording music they played on my other friend’s keyboard. Now we have our own original theme song
Perfect tips Darius! You are the best discovery for me to learn filmmaking! Really appreciate your work and help to other people!:) Great way you keep intructional videos hip and fun!:)
Amine Anli Thank you Amine! I'll be honest, I'm a little embarrassed by my earlier videos hahaha. I look back at some of them and cringe. I'm really glad the info is helpful to you though bruh and good luck. Thank YOU for watching!
This is the video that got me started, I'm mesmerized how big of an impact Darius has made on my life, binge watching and teaching my self how to film helped me loads, I'm now doing my first commissioned short film, because of him! And film riot ofc, but major MAJOR ups to him! Darius Brit I'll forever be grateful 💜💪
Holy hell! I tried 9 times to watch this and RUclips would randomly throw me over to a B&H video called "15 Mistakes People Make When Taking Photos (and How To Correct Them)". LOL! Anyway, this just became one of my favs, and answers so many questions I get asked about "Hey. what's wrong with my video?" Thank you...you just saved me about 2 hours a week making this. :)
D4Darious Well, apparently my response to your comment is floating in space. Try again...HEY! Thanks! I am finally back after a month of travel and hope to post something this next week after the dust settles and I get some frickin sleep. Best to ya! :)
Great video! Another hot tip for set dressing is two-tone walls. Paint a chair rail and mix some white paint in with your colour for another tone. It acts as sort of an indoor horizon and accentuates where you place your camera, in addition to spicing up your background without adding clutter.
I'm just glad that at NO POINT did this guy say "Yo" or "What's up?". Just about every RUclips film I see uses that! Good points, though. I'll be watching.
I found this to be very helpful, as I am working on a small production right now. I had to face palm myself too, because I used the waking up scene in it, and I think I've even done it before. Along with too many close-ups. And bad sound. Yeah basically this video described all the mistakes I've made. So thank you for making this!
I have never really made a film myself, but there is a lot in this video I have never noticed when watching films and definitely could've made these mistakes. There's so many good tips and techniques for when I properly start filmmaking!
Darious, you speak very well and were informative and helpful. Thank you very much for sharing and helping us learn. Luckily we do apply most of these concepts with our skits but you definitely gave me a few things that I can improve on in the future. It was helpful how you showed examples of what you were talking about.
This is a fantastic list. As a student at one of the big film schools, I watched hundreds of student and beginner films and have observed a lot of the same things. This list is exceptional. Every first-time filmmaker should view this twice on day 1. And then again after they make their first film. And every semester if they are film students. This is gold.
About filming in a small apartment.. I'm no film maker but i think using a wide angle lens helps in giving the shot more depth (don't go overboard though, no fisheye unless you'r filming the effects of drugs or something). And when selecting lens for the shot, consider aperture to get that shallow depth of field that keeps focus on what's important. P.S. fantastic flick, though I really did learn a lot :)
So long as they're built for the role. Example: If i had a brother who is 21 years old who casted as a failed performer then he'd be fine, but not as a old man giving advice.
It's 2018, I just started making movies, and I just discovered this superb channel with this amazing teacher. I love RUclips and I love this guys style. Thank you for your passionate and motivational advise , guidance and inspiration!
D4Darious have to say when i saw the name of the video i thought it will be another one of those patronising lists by fools, but a very good list, well put together... other than creepy ring light eye... still sodd tracking that out am i right? haha
I've been studying film making for a few years but I found this video really refreshing my memories and a great guide line to everyone holding a camera
This video helped me SO MUCH by the time I did my first professional narrative...that made it into one film festival so far! Thank you, Darius. The details about interesting backgrounds helped in a big way.
Hey Darius. I've been writing and making films for a couple of years now (on my channel), and this is like a checklist I should be using. Super informative, and very well put together video!
You forgot mistake #16: TOO much shallow depth of field. Having good bokeh in your shots can certainly work when used right, but the entire movie shouldn't look like it's on the brink of going out of focus. Everything should be done for a reason, not just because it looks pretty (which is a mistake I too make a lot).
Hi Darius, greetings from Chicago.....I still implement the suggestions you gave me in my One on One Coaching session. Thanks, always love your videos.
"The best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing you can do is the wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all". Great words of wisdom! Wonderful video, super insightful, incredibly practical and actionable.
..So, I didn't know about this channel, and I didn't think I'd like this video as much, but these are really helpful tips! I really thought you were going to talk about autofocus/bad focus, bad lighting, etc.; but you had some good tips man!
MyFBX although Film Riot does have better teaching methods and updated effects and diy builds, indy mogul was the first film channel I watched so it has more of a connection to me than film riot.
Hey Darious, I’m a 13 year old filmmaker in California, I love your videos and tips, this video, I took the tips to heart and realized how bad my first short film was with these tips and am going to make my new short films making sure I don’t do over exposure, bad audio, no story, or bad actors. I love your videos man. Thanks you!
I think one exception to the "Too much chit chat" rule is a Tarantino film. His films tend to have long scenes of "chit chat" but the dialogue is so good that you don't mind listening to it.
And Rohmer, and Jarmusch, and Ozu, and Tarkovsky, and Wenders, just to name a few. Darius was too liberal by saying dont use too much chit chat, but I think he ment dont use too much chit chat that doesnt mean anything or add to the film. Tarantino likes to use long dialogue driven scenes, but his "chit chat" becomes the story, substance, and high suspense points in his film.
15:33 I think a lot of filmmakers both amateur and professional should take that advice. Can you imagine if the Coen brothers had ruined No Country For Old Men by filling it with the cheesy music you hear in most action films these days? Awesome video, greetings from Australia.
Excellent Video, although I dislike the ring light in your eyes - but I think the camera positioning and look is awesome and you are arguably one of the best presenters I've ever seen - the interesting movement, where's wally shirt, you have personality and charisma in bucket loads - keep up the great work.
messianicrogue Thank you for the feedback messianicrogue. I try to make the videos as engaging as possible because I personally don't care for boring videos haha. I like sharing info with you guys and I really don't want to bore the pants off of anyone in the process =)
This is by far one of the best videos I've ever seen about starting out in filmmaking! I think I first watched it about a year ago, and I still remember it vividly. These lessons are invaluable and I'm grateful to you for having made it! :)
I'm 17 and really getting into this world... like professionally... and this is really good. Great shit you got there D4. Keep it going! P.S Do you do reviews of amateur videos?
For the sound problems if you can't get the mic close enough you can re-record audio and put it over the video. Make Shure the audio sinks with the video.
Here in 2020. I'm not a filmmaker but your videos are great for teaching me how to apply a solid foundation to what I'm trying to accomplish with video. Would like to see what new things you've learned and can apply to Film/Video 5 yrs later. Thanks a lot King!!!
These past few days I’ve been watching a lot of videos giving advice on film stuff… and my ideas for future films are already so much better lol. I changed the generic opening scenes for two films I plan to make and I think they’ll turn out sooooo much better! Thanks for the advice, this was an amazing video!
This is really helpful for what I'm planning on doing. The only problem I have is that the camera I have isn't of the best quality and I don't have a mic for filming. Luckily, though, I'm not rushing. I'd like to get it done in at least a year or two, but it's better to spend my time with it. I'm following a specific checklist from Film Riot and since gear is one of the last ones on the list, by the time I get there I might have the opportunity to get a better camera, a mic and maybe even some sort of lighting.
Walshie You can get a zoom h1 and cheapish shotgun mic for under $160, (or record into a smartphone with a shotgun mic). Rode makes some good stuff for cheap, that if used right, will give awesome results. Audio problems solved. You can use cheap clamp lights from home depot for $14 each, or use halogen work lights for more power. Lighting is more about placement than $$$. Expensive equipment lends to convenience not necessarily higher quality. Well placed cheap lights look way better than expensive lamps lighting up all the wrong things. (just remember that most florescent lights are actually green, you just can't see it, use incandescent, halogen or led, unless you want people to look sickly). There are millions of diy videos all over youtube for making low $$$ stuff that will work.
The rings in his eyes underscore his point that something visual has to be grabbing the audience's attention even if the video is really about his words.
Thank you for the sound part. My dad who's a sound man with over 45 years of experience was recently called to sub for a job two days before the shoot. He said : "Well why didn't you called me like a week before? This is cinematography, not TV!" And the producer was like "Well... you know, it's just... sound" And so my dad asked about the budget and how much he was gonna be paid and they were like "we need our CV" and he was like "well, you're trying to sell ME your production not the other way around" Turns out they had two Arri Alexa but no sound guy two days before shooting. What a mess!!!
I personally love sound design a lot, and I've noticed that with a lot of student films, it's easy to see when a filmmaker doesn't value sound as much as the visuals. Sound makes up half the film, so if the sound is bad, it becomes too distracting to not notice. Good sound design makes or breaks a film, and I hope more filmmakers can see the value of it.
I know this is an older video, but it absolutely applies. No matter what, everyone makes mistakes and this is a great way to understand the mistakes you will make in the future.
The one about catching the viewer's attention with the first scene: I'm brazilian. Brazilian professional filmmakers have a very interesting way of getting your attention. The movie starts with two people fucking, for example. The movie "Assalto ao Banco Central" (English: Central Bank Heist) and a lot of other brazilian cinematic pieces start with the first scene as a wild sex scene hehe That really catches the attention of the viewer. When I saw Central Bank Heist first time I thought I bought the ticket for the wrong movie :)
Everybody needs to watch this before they make a film. Period.
Another thing, this video should be shown to everybody in the filmmaking industry.
+Korica Productions Funny thing, I watched this video before starting on a film for a competition and I won.
That just goes to show that Darious Britt knows his stuff.
True, but somebody has to start somewhere. It doesn't matter if you have talent, it matters if you're motivated enough to learn and experience.
+Korica Productions Agreed. As one can develop a critical eye for a good shot, one can also develop a sense of timing, styles of wit, etc.
"I didn't make the rules of the game, I'm just letting you know what game you're playing."
Damn well said. I love this channel!
...and here I thought we were playing chess.
Damn you know how to shoot and edit your video. Because I generally watch under 5 minutes videos and I didn't even realized I'm watching this for 17 minutes.
"...but you had good sound quality, audiences will tolerate that cuz they'll assume that the movie was supposed to look like shit..."
You killed me xD
I'll take that to heart.
I am an amateur photographer. It surprises me how many of those mistakes apply to my line of work. wow
I guess when push comes to shove, photography and filming really is more or less the same thing. The more of a story you can tell by JUST the imagery alone the better..
Well it is, but editing and being able to add movement is what makes A HUGE difference between them.
you have to learn photography before filming you should know that
It really turns me off when a photo has bad audio.
Your photos have bad sound? Or too much chit chat?
One of the very best long pauses I have ever seen is in the movie Flight.
When Denzel Washington walks away from the vodka bottle on the hotel mini fridge, and the bottle stay in full view for a long time. It builds that tension, that makes you perceive how strong alcoholism affects the character.
That’s a proper long pause.
Here's one: writing dialogue that a character wouldn't believably say, or micromanaging dialogue until it comes across as forced.
One of the best tips I heard was to let actors ad-lib small talk because that's how small talk is actually made. Feel free to film it, too, that way you have more context to work with. Don't, for example, just write the punchline to a joke that doesn't have a wind-up and then expect the actors to organically react to it.
Yep. Couldn’t agree more.
The light in your eyes makes you look like a cyborg. I love it.
I legit couldn't look at anything else.
This video is three years old now. But at a Potato Jet video I saw last night he said it was a ring light, very popular about 10 years ago but it causes the ring in the eyes because the camera is right at the center of the light.
It's good for women sometimes. It is highly-super distracting!
He should add this to another mistake.
He’s clearly a Synth
The test results have come in, and, I'm sorry to say this, but there's a 89% chance he's a replicant.
The 512 dislikes are all from Hollywood Filmmakers guilty of these.
lol - hahaha, you are possibly right
😂😂😂Facts
కేక.. Power punch
What is dislike I never heard about that 😁
Thanks a lot man. Aspiring filmmaker here and I've probably made about half of these mistakes. I've been filmmaking but not really studying up enough and just using my raw talent. Recently started up a film team and knew that I had to step my game up if it meant having an actual production crew.
TheAlmonteFilms Thank you for commenting Almonte! You'll definitely need a crew if you want to make films on a regular basis.
I'm doing the same thing man. I've always been filming since I was young but haven't really studied besides watching how they shot in movies and such, but this video helped a lot! Never realized that I made many of these mistakes. But now I'm definitely going to improve.
Very good advice. I worked in Hollywood for many years, usually as an extra. This is a very helpful video for anyone planning to make a movie. The only thing I might add is to avoid exposition, which is telling the story instead of showing it. An example might be having a character who is on the phone and who says something like "What's that? You say you met someone who knew your grandma in Transylvania and he thinks you are related to Count Dracula... and he is coming over to the house tonight? And he will arrive about 6 PM when the full moon is coming up and he will be wearing a tuxedo?"
That line could work in a comedy film though
Hahaha... That's pretty funny..... Just tell the whole damn movie huh?
Yeah I when I see beginnings like that in films I'm like, this dude's really vocally informative, I also hate people who think out loud, it's unrealistic
Good shit and brutal truths
EposVox you are a tech channel correct?
I think I am subbed but I am subbed to almost 300 people
Im subed to you
Thank you- four years of film school in 17 minutes. I am always looking for shout cuts.
I would add that you should always look for ways to insert Humor, people love to laugh.
You have a good handle on that!!!!
Richard Thomas yes, but you have to really really pick your moments sometimes but I do agree
OMG I HAVE DONE ALL OF THOSE THINGS!!! I've quickly learned about white walls, generic music, and especially the framing!!!
I like that you don't sugarcoat any mistakes that can be made, because at the end, its your audience's reaction that matters. I feel like any film-makers can find this very useful. Nice Job buddy
Funny because many popular films make many of these mistakes
Which popular flim has sound problems
Amazing how much an audience will forgive when it comes to visuals as long as the story works and the sound is good. "Clerks" looks awful, but no one cares. And ironically, we filmmakers seem to spend all our time worrying about the camera.
I know right? Far from the madding crowd was very under cooked, scenes didn't make sense most of the time, scenes or shots didn't have any build up and the whole time I was thinking how I would fix this and that
last place I thought id find Alex
the film Kes has terrible sound
Genius! And you're hilarious 😂
Why thank you ;)
+D4Darious I appreciate this video. Great job!
+D4Darious You're awesome! I am over the short film department for a film festival and you are spot on....OMG how many times do I have to see the main character walking somewhere? Waking up? Making tea? I mean really?
Wondering Pictures
I agree he makes me more and more into film making or short film making..
and makes it more interesting.
hes not hilarious he's darious
Me and my friends are making our own music. Yesterday 2 of my friends spent 2 and a half hours recording music they played on my other friend’s keyboard. Now we have our own original theme song
nice work
Made freaking 3 of those mistakes in my first film :D
It's all apart of learning ;)
D4Darious Thanks for teaching ;)
Me too! High five! o/
ive done a lot its hard cause at first it seems like a good idea and then in post you realize what you have done
Us every time! Haha
But we're still trying!
Wow, i just realized how much mistakes I've been doing. Thanks for this video, you should do a second part. It is very helpful.
You're more than welcome :)
D4Darious hey can you check my channel and tell me the mistakes iv been doing
my email is on my chain you can get ahold of me at
Perfect tips Darius! You are the best discovery for me to learn filmmaking! Really appreciate your work and help to other people!:)
Great way you keep intructional videos hip and fun!:)
Great work! If I had such a luxury as a budget I'd love you to make my film.
You could still ask him or ask him for advice. He might help you out. He seems nice
Yo Darious, I'm doing a video marathon of your channel, you're just so HELPFUL, thanks for that, keep up the good work !
And also you're so damn cool
Amine Anli Thank you Amine! I'll be honest, I'm a little embarrassed by my earlier videos hahaha. I look back at some of them and cringe. I'm really glad the info is helpful to you though bruh and good luck. Thank YOU for watching!
I SUPER LOVE the ring light reflection in your eyes, it keep's my eyes locked onto your eyes even with all the movement happening in all three axis
Watching this before film school exam - thank you, great tips!
Well how did it go?
This was the first video of yours that I watched, and it is great. Keep up the good work!
+Joseph Conte
Same here! I saved this one and hope others get to check it out too.
This is the video that got me started, I'm mesmerized how big of an impact Darius has made on my life, binge watching and teaching my self how to film helped me loads, I'm now doing my first commissioned short film, because of him! And film riot ofc, but major MAJOR ups to him! Darius Brit I'll forever be grateful 💜💪
"Sounds About right" - guy in the hallway.
Who is the guy in the hallway?
"You're too weak in your current state" - Martial arts master in the back yard.
You have an incredible knack for making film information and instruction clear and concise... another excellent video!
Bryan Murphy Thank you Bruh! I try.
Sometimes I stand in one place doing nothing while I'm talking. I'm a walking amateur movie.
This video is excellent
Nordik Thank you Nordik!
great video, but the eyes were very distracting from the rwhite rings
+Michael McCullough oh please.
it's called lighting
lara Sometimes lighting is beneficial, sometimes detrimental. Darkness is just as important as light.
I agree Mike, distracting... but freaky cool.
I noticed that I made almost all of these mistakes in my past films. Thanks for making this video! It really helps!
Holy hell! I tried 9 times to watch this and RUclips would randomly throw me over to a B&H video called "15 Mistakes People Make When Taking Photos (and How To Correct Them)". LOL! Anyway, this just became one of my favs, and answers so many questions I get asked about "Hey. what's wrong with my video?" Thank you...you just saved me about 2 hours a week making this. :)
***** Basic! Always good to hear from you. How go the travels? I'm glad that you found this useful Sir!
D4Darious
Well, apparently my response to your comment is floating in space. Try again...HEY! Thanks! I am finally back after a month of travel and hope to post something this next week after the dust settles and I get some frickin sleep. Best to ya! :)
You should be a teacher/professor @ U of A. Excellent advice!
Kirby Wright Thank you Kirby =)
Great video! Another hot tip for set dressing is two-tone walls. Paint a chair rail and mix some white paint in with your colour for another tone. It acts as sort of an indoor horizon and accentuates where you place your camera, in addition to spicing up your background without adding clutter.
I'm just glad that at NO POINT did this guy say "Yo" or "What's up?". Just about every RUclips film I see uses that!
Good points, though. I'll be watching.
he said yo at 5 secs
liar
+Brian Fahrlander Please check out my video Film and i aint no amateur i hope you enjoy it
You're being sarcastic right? When he said yo a massive YO flashed on the screen lol
Good information, thank you for sharing! That ring light catch light is freaking me out though!!!
lol thank you Dylan :)
I've been teaching filmmaking for 35 years and you are spot on. Well done. Keep it up. Thanks.
dude you are a genius
and a cyborg...
look at his fucking eyes
DutchDinosaur light ring
more like Rinnegan LOOL!
I found this to be very helpful, as I am working on a small production right now. I had to face palm myself too, because I used the waking up scene in it, and I think I've even done it before. Along with too many close-ups. And bad sound. Yeah basically this video described all the mistakes I've made. So thank you for making this!
U.N.D.Y.S. Productions thank you for watching U.N.D.Y.S. and for commenting!
I have never really made a film myself, but there is a lot in this video I have never noticed when watching films and definitely could've made these mistakes. There's so many good tips and techniques for when I properly start filmmaking!
Darious, you speak very well and were informative and helpful. Thank you very much for sharing and helping us learn. Luckily we do apply most of these concepts with our skits but you definitely gave me a few things that I can improve on in the future. It was helpful how you showed examples of what you were talking about.
ShidamProductions Thank you for commenting Shidam =)
Fantastic video man! Thank you for simple, but tres informative tips.
This is a fantastic list. As a student at one of the big film schools, I watched hundreds of student and beginner films and have observed a lot of the same things. This list is exceptional. Every first-time filmmaker should view this twice on day 1. And then again after they make their first film. And every semester if they are film students. This is gold.
About filming in a small apartment.. I'm no film maker but i think using a wide angle lens helps in giving the shot more depth (don't go overboard though, no fisheye unless you'r filming the effects of drugs or something). And when selecting lens for the shot, consider aperture to get that shallow depth of field that keeps focus on what's important.
P.S. fantastic flick, though I really did learn a lot :)
“Poor casting”......
Does you siblings count😂
your*
What about DC movies? 😂😂😂
Just as long as your three year old sister isn't playing a evil drug lord kingpin.
lol
Cole Currier Most DC castings are spot on so shut your dumbass up.
So long as they're built for the role.
Example: If i had a brother who is 21 years old who casted as a failed performer then he'd be fine, but not as a old man giving advice.
It's 2018, I just started making movies, and I just discovered this superb channel with this amazing teacher. I love RUclips and I love this guys style. Thank you for your passionate and motivational advise , guidance and inspiration!
Thanks for that. Excellent analysis and brilliant presentation. Subbed :)
The Meejah Channel Glad you enjoyed Meejah.
D4Darious have to say when i saw the name of the video i thought it will be another one of those patronising lists by fools, but a very good list, well put together... other than creepy ring light eye... still sodd tracking that out am i right? haha
Very interesting and informative. Subscribed!
Thank you ;)
D4Darious Yeah i sub too! Thanks for all the tips dude :)
I've been studying film making for a few years but I found this video really refreshing my memories and a great guide line to everyone holding a camera
I agree with most of these but the hit show "Mr. Robot" basically shits on the "Rule of thirds" thing. I think Great Story is King.
lmao dude.. you're awesome. first vid I watched, subbed immediately.
Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome aboard Deeb8 ;)
MrDeeb8 omg same! This guy looks awesome
This video helped me SO MUCH by the time I did my first professional narrative...that made it into one film festival so far! Thank you, Darius. The details about interesting backgrounds helped in a big way.
Hey Darius. I've been writing and making films for a couple of years now (on my channel), and this is like a checklist I should be using. Super informative, and very well put together video!
WoshiBryant Thank you Bruh! I'm glad you enjoyed it and keep up that hustle!
You forgot mistake #16: TOO much shallow depth of field. Having good bokeh in your shots can certainly work when used right, but the entire movie shouldn't look like it's on the brink of going out of focus. Everything should be done for a reason, not just because it looks pretty (which is a mistake I too make a lot).
ThatCrazyJiveTurkey All very true. You definitely can't let that shallow depth of field get the best of you lol. Thanks for commenting TCJT.
@@D4Darious He spelled it right.
Hi Darius, greetings from Chicago.....I still implement the suggestions you gave me in my One on One Coaching session. Thanks, always love your videos.
I'm not normally interested in film production, etc., but this guy made is SUPER interesting and entertaining! +1 sub :D
Almost a 2 year old upload and you've just earned a new subscriber. Good stuff
"The best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing you can do is the wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all". Great words of wisdom! Wonderful video, super insightful, incredibly practical and actionable.
This actually has helped me out a lot as an animator as well! Thank you very much and keep up the great work.
Dude, are your eyes lenses? And what's your problem with the word "too"?
Anyway, awesome video, subscribed instantly.
Isnt lenses xd Is the light ring reflected in his eyes
Darious! Priceless word! Thanks so much for unabashed honesty and hugely helpful thing! God bless, 💛😊
..So, I didn't know about this channel, and I didn't think I'd like this video as much, but these are really helpful tips! I really thought you were going to talk about autofocus/bad focus, bad lighting, etc.; but you had some good tips man!
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Nicci Naraine exactly what i was thinking! xacta!
I don't do mistakes. I watch Film Riot.
+MyFBX Don't forget about indy mogul. Although they don't post anymore, it's still a good source.
Ryan McEntire Yeah, but I like Film Riot a bit more. :D
MyFBX although Film Riot does have better teaching methods and updated effects and diy builds, indy mogul was the first film channel I watched so it has more of a connection to me than film riot.
Ryan McEntire they're beginning to upload consistently now
Hey Darious, I’m a 13 year old filmmaker in California, I love your videos and tips, this video, I took the tips to heart and realized how bad my first short film was with these tips and am going to make my new short films making sure I don’t do over exposure, bad audio, no story, or bad actors. I love your videos man. Thanks you!
I think one exception to the "Too much chit chat" rule is a Tarantino film. His films tend to have long scenes of "chit chat" but the dialogue is so good that you don't mind listening to it.
yeah and he uses subtext very well
And Rohmer, and Jarmusch, and Ozu, and Tarkovsky, and Wenders, just to name a few. Darius was too liberal by saying dont use too much chit chat, but I think he ment dont use too much chit chat that doesnt mean anything or add to the film. Tarantino likes to use long dialogue driven scenes, but his "chit chat" becomes the story, substance, and high suspense points in his film.
15:33 I think a lot of filmmakers both amateur and professional should take that advice. Can you imagine if the Coen brothers had ruined No Country For Old Men by filling it with the cheesy music you hear in most action films these days? Awesome video, greetings from Australia.
Thank you Ben. Greetings :)
Before you make a short film,watch this video as many times as possible. It takes years to learn so much stuff. Great video.!!
Excellent Video, although I dislike the ring light in your eyes - but I think the camera positioning and look is awesome and you are arguably one of the best presenters I've ever seen - the interesting movement, where's wally shirt, you have personality and charisma in bucket loads - keep up the great work.
messianicrogue Thank you for the feedback messianicrogue. I try to make the videos as engaging as possible because I personally don't care for boring videos haha. I like sharing info with you guys and I really don't want to bore the pants off of anyone in the process =)
D4Darious Hey love your video, and I LOVE THE RINGLIGHT! What brand and model is it? and where is the best place to get one?
What kind of ring light did you use specifically?
A diva super nova ringlight.
This is by far one of the best videos I've ever seen about starting out in filmmaking! I think I first watched it about a year ago, and I still remember it vividly. These lessons are invaluable and I'm grateful to you for having made it! :)
10:17 is Joeys "smell the fart acting" 😂
I'm 17 and really getting into this world... like professionally... and this is really good.
Great shit you got there D4. Keep it going!
P.S Do you do reviews of amateur videos?
same here
Great stuff man I love how you show examples of good and bad!
For the sound problems if you can't get the mic close enough you can re-record audio and put it over the video. Make Shure the audio sinks with the video.
coolest guy on youtube! ..Thanks for the good infos!
Here in 2020. I'm not a filmmaker but your videos are great for teaching me how to apply a solid foundation to what I'm trying to accomplish with video. Would like to see what new things you've learned and can apply to Film/Video 5 yrs later. Thanks a lot King!!!
i seriously find myself watching this at least twice a month lol,
I'm glad you're finding this helpful in your journey to becoming a better filmmaker BH. Thank you for sharing that with me!
I don't usually subscribe after seeing one video but I just did, thanks man these tips will save me some embarrassment /=)
Fiachra Holland Haha you're more than welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Fiachra Holland I just did the exact same thing. Definitely gonna steal these tips if you don't mind haha.
These past few days I’ve been watching a lot of videos giving advice on film stuff… and my ideas for future films are already so much better lol. I changed the generic opening scenes for two films I plan to make and I think they’ll turn out sooooo much better! Thanks for the advice, this was an amazing video!
This is gold, Jerry! Gold!
This is really helpful for what I'm planning on doing. The only problem I have is that the camera I have isn't of the best quality and I don't have a mic for filming. Luckily, though, I'm not rushing. I'd like to get it done in at least a year or two, but it's better to spend my time with it. I'm following a specific checklist from Film Riot and since gear is one of the last ones on the list, by the time I get there I might have the opportunity to get a better camera, a mic and maybe even some sort of lighting.
What does the checklist have?
K. Al I don't know at the moment. I deleted the screenshot I took, but I'll go back to retake it when I need to.
Walshie can you send me the link or the name of the video please
Walshie You can get a zoom h1 and cheapish shotgun mic for under $160, (or record into a smartphone with a shotgun mic). Rode makes some good stuff for cheap, that if used right, will give awesome results. Audio problems solved.
You can use cheap clamp lights from home depot for $14 each, or use halogen work lights for more power. Lighting is more about placement than $$$. Expensive equipment lends to convenience not necessarily higher quality. Well placed cheap lights look way better than expensive lamps lighting up all the wrong things. (just remember that most florescent lights are actually green, you just can't see it, use incandescent, halogen or led, unless you want people to look sickly).
There are millions of diy videos all over youtube for making low $$$ stuff that will work.
Where do u find actors and crew?
I always come back to this video every time I start working on a film, just to be sure I remember these mistakes! thanks dude!
Did anyone else find it hard to concentrate in this video. Because of the ring of death in his eyes!
The rings in his eyes underscore his point that something visual has to be grabbing the audience's attention even if the video is really about his words.
hahaha yeah
Yeah, its like a black person with pupils.
BlackenLight I
Just saw this video...but yes I saw the same thing! Talk about mistakes lol.
damn, u kept it 100% all the way, every now and then u stepped on my toes, thanks bro, great video.
Finally some GOOD points. Especially those with dead space in the frame and depth of field. White walls... i forgot white walls.
Great content!
Bru, that was actually kool and informative. Thanks.
I'm glad you enjoyed it ;)
Thanks for the info now I know how to make my first short film
This helped me out a lot!
Thank you for the sound part. My dad who's a sound man with over 45 years of experience was recently called to sub for a job two days before the shoot. He said : "Well why didn't you called me like a week before? This is cinematography, not TV!" And the producer was like "Well... you know, it's just... sound" And so my dad asked about the budget and how much he was gonna be paid and they were like "we need our CV" and he was like "well, you're trying to sell ME your production not the other way around"
Turns out they had two Arri Alexa but no sound guy two days before shooting.
What a mess!!!
Great video! Well done!
Also, you’ve probably heard this already:
Too*
Other than that and the distracting ring-light... fantastic!
This guy has to be a Film Director 🔥💯 #RESPECT 100% Nice Work
I personally love sound design a lot, and I've noticed that with a lot of student films, it's easy to see when a filmmaker doesn't value sound as much as the visuals. Sound makes up half the film, so if the sound is bad, it becomes too distracting to not notice. Good sound design makes or breaks a film, and I hope more filmmakers can see the value of it.
I think I’ve watched this video four times in 3years almost once a year
And yet you obviously haven’t learned shit !
Ring light makes your eyes look craaayyy hah almost Hopsin-esque
Ty Turner I like that cray-cray look lol. It keeps things interesting. Thanks for commenting Ty!
I know this is an older video, but it absolutely applies. No matter what, everyone makes mistakes and this is a great way to understand the mistakes you will make in the future.
Good stuff. Great personality, video is direct and interesting. A+
Thank you Joel!
I'm already thinking of how many ways you just saved my ass. Great stuff!
Mo David Thank you Mo. Glad to help.
Lol. The mistake I made in my first film is bad sound. A lot of people that watched it complained about it. Thanks for posting this
The one about catching the viewer's attention with the first scene:
I'm brazilian. Brazilian professional filmmakers have a very interesting way of getting your attention. The movie starts with two people fucking, for example.
The movie "Assalto ao Banco Central" (English: Central Bank Heist) and a lot of other brazilian cinematic pieces start with the first scene as a wild sex scene hehe
That really catches the attention of the viewer. When I saw Central Bank Heist first time I thought I bought the ticket for the wrong movie :)
Interesting amigo I m scriptwriter and have 25 scripts done and truth the story should begin with something attractive and easy visible gracias amigo
Brazilian here.
the sex at the starting scenes do seem to be favored around here.
Crashoverall Isn't it? BRs love fucking in starting scenes kkk
No! Never start a movie with a trashy scene, it's makes the opening extremely awkward for the audience because they don't know the characters yet